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Planning staff presents draft Japantown plan as months of public comment continue
Summary
Planning staff gave a lengthy informational briefing on a draft Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan, outlining new zoning zones, building‑height changes along Geary, design guidelines and a range of options for rebuilding Japan Center. Dozens of residents and merchants urged more study of heights, business retention and financing before any endorsement.
Planning staff presented the second informational hearing on the draft Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan on June 18, 2009, describing proposed land‑use updates, built‑form recommendations and options for the Japan Center malls. The commission did not take action; staff and community members said the draft will return for further work.
The planning department’s project manager, Rosie Dudley, told the commission the draft aims to protect Japantown’s cultural character while updating land‑use rules in the former redevelopment areas. Staff proposed three new zones south of Bush Street to encourage neighborhood‑serving retail, allow housing and professional offices above the first floor, and limit individual retail spaces to about 3,000 square feet to favor small local businesses.
Dudley said the plan also proposes raising the street‑wall heights along parts of Geary Boulevard — including an 85‑foot street wall on the north side to match wider roadway conditions — and identifies four locations where…
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